A Few Worker Compensation Myths Dispelled
For many individuals, the thought of filing a worker's compensation claim can be somewhat overwhelming. However, this type of protection can be essential for preventing the financial consequences of a workplace injury from devastating your life. To help you better evaluate your options following a workplace injury, you may want to have a few of the more common myths about these insurance claims.
Myth: You Will Be Fired For Attempting To File A Worker's Compensation Claim
There is a common fear among some individuals that their employer will attempt to retaliate against them for filing a worker's compensation claim. However, you should be relieved to learn that it is illegal for a business to retaliate against a person for filing this type of claim. If your employer were to fire you or otherwise punish you for this filing, you would be able to file a lawsuit against the business while also pursuing your worker's compensation claim.
Myth: You Will Have Total Control Over The Doctor That Treats Your Injuries
If your worker's compensation claim is approved, you may be under the impression that you will be able to choose your doctor. However, this is not actually the case, and the insurance can actually dictate which doctor will treat your injuries. In cases where the injuries are severe enough to require long-term or ongoing care, you may be able to petition the courts to allow you to choose your own doctor.
Myth: You Will Have To Go Without Pay While You Are Being Treated
Fear of going for protracted periods of time without pay can be another reason for some individuals to avoid filing for these benefits. Fortunately, these claims will provide you with at least partial wages while you are recovering from your injury. Also, when you are healed enough to resume light work, it is required for your employer to make a position available for you during this phase or they will be required to pay you the full wage that you would normally earn. This will allow you to feel less stress over the financial concerns that can follow these injuries, which can help you to focus on your recovery.
If you have suffered an injury as a result of your job, it is critical for you to be fairly well-informed about worker's compensation benefits. By knowing that your employer cannot retaliate against you for these claims, that the insurance will choose the doctor and that you will receive partial pay during your recovery, you will find yourself better prepared to make sound choices for protecting your rights following these accidents. For more information, contact firms like Hoffman, Hamer & Associates, PLLC.